Valuation Review continues its conversation with Franz Ross and Sergio Lo Presti. The real estate appraiser and regional appraisal firm partner offer more advice for appraisers when determining value on retail and other specific property types. Read Part II of the story for more information. Via:: Appraising retail property requires more financial info-Part II       

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), in a letter dated Feb. 5 to the federal financial regulators, outlined its support of the proposed changes to the appraisal threshold for residential real estate transactions, pointing out that appraisals still need to be done to provide the quality of data that automated valuation models or other technology platforms use to help perform evaluations. …

The American Society of Appraisers, along with five additional organizations, filed additional comments with federal banking regulators. The filing urged the agencies to abandon a proposed increase in the residential appraisal threshold from $250,000 to $400,000. Read on to learn more about what these organizations are saying. Via:: Six organizations oppose threshold increase       

Stewart Title appointed Rich Kuegler to the role of national director of lender sales. In his new role, Kuegler will be responsible for sales and business development strategy for Stewart’s lender channel, amongst other assignments. Read on to learn more. Via:: Stewart appoints director of lender sales       

Texas Premier Mortgage recently launched a Federal Housing Administration loan program for new purchasers and first-time homebuyers, emphasizing the need to find the newest and best mortgage loan products available to the consumer. Read on to learn more. Via:: FHA loan available for new purchases, first-time buyers       

LendingTree released its study on the best cities for first-time homebuyers, ranking the 50 largest metros in the U.S. by how friendly they are for first-time homebuyers. Read on to find out where the best location is to buy. Via:: Study reveals the best cities for first-time homebuyers       

Consolidated Analytics announced its acquisition of Carrington Property Services. The transaction, which was finalized Feb. 1, broadens Consolidated Analytics’ scope of services and enhances its value proposition to its lender, GSE, servicer and capital markets clients. Read on to learn more about this key industry acquisition. Via:: Valuation company acquires third-party business       

CoreLogic announced an enhanced title and closing solution. The product is for lenders incorporated into the industry standard Collateral Management System (CMS). Read on to learn more. Via:: CoreLogic introduces enhanced solutions for lenders